A Better Sense of Place
2014 April 26 (Sat)
Hmm... something's missing
The rain garden has filled out nicely, but I'm noticing a particular lack of something: grasses. I suppose one of my initial-phase goals was to just get some diverse species established, which is why I haven't trimmed any plants from growing between the stepping stones. (They're blocking the last few on the way to the back bench.) Now that they're established and apparently doing well — the tallest plants are 4' tall — I'm waiting for the flowers and resulting seeds. At that time, I think I'll start discouraging some growth.
I really have no idea where this is going. I haven't even seen a year of blooms yet, so I don't know what it's going to do out there. I actually haven't even seen many insects except a few crickets and tiny damselflies. I'm still waiting on those butterflies. I just sowed some of the Eastern Savannah Grass Mix this past week by the driveway — see my original plan — but it hasn't rained yet so nothing has sprouted. I think what I'm doing is little tests here and there: the wildflowers are on one side and the grasses are segregated over some place else. I expect I'll eventually start blending the two. Maybe that could be a goal from the front yard, which I will plan over the next several months and start working on in late summer.
The Chicken Yard, in case you're wondering, is doing ok. No blooms yet, really. I think it's growing more slowly because it's in dappled shade. I planted a trillium and a mayapple recently.
I hear the voice in the back of my head: "that rain garden's nice and all, but it's kinda leggy and messy." I think what's still missing is maturity, forms, and shapes. I've planted a Virginia sweetspire, buttonbush, and inland seaoats in three places, hoping that they can begin growing and creating visual anchors. No idea if those beautyberry and Turk's cap seeds will take, but I'll keep trying. Or maybe I'll just buy some older plants.
